JP2017536860A - Guide system for positioning a patient for medical imaging - Google Patents

Abstract

It relates to positioning guidance for image collection. A guide system 14 is provided to facilitate patient positioning for medical image acquisition. The system includes a patient detection device 22 and a patient location determination device 24. The patient detection device is configured to detect the patient's anatomical structure 36 and to detect current spatial information of the anatomical structure of interest for image acquisition. The patient location device is configured to provide an initial target position 40 for the detected anatomy, the initial target position being provided as a reference for image acquisition. The patient position determination device registers the initial target position with the current spatial information, and the subset of those whose matching target position matches the current spatial information and the adaptation of the initial target position is clinically irrelevant for medical image acquisition Is adapted to determine an adapted target position 42 by adapting an initial target position based on current spatial information so as to relate only to

Description

  The present invention relates to a guide system for positioning a patient for medical image acquisition, a medical imaging arrangement, a method for guiding in positioning a patient's anatomy, computer program elements and computer readable media.

  In medical imaging, for example, in X-ray imaging or in ultrasound imaging, proper patient positioning prior to medical examination is important for the quality of radiographic diagnosis, and therefore it is a thorough education and training. Need. Positioning errors are one of the main reasons that cause repeated examinations and can result in additional x-ray exposure to the patient as well as additional costs, for example. For example, WO 2013/072814 A1 describes the positioning of an X-ray source for a patient.

  There is a need to provide an improved method for facilitating patient positioning for medical image acquisition.

  The object of the invention is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims and further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. The following described aspects of the invention provide a guide system for positioning a patient for medical image acquisition, a medical imaging system, a method for guiding in positioning a patient's anatomy, a computer program element, a computer read It should be noted that it also applies to possible media.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a guide system is provided for positioning a patient for medical image acquisition. The guide system has a patient position detecting device and a patient position defining device. The patient detection device is configured to detect a patient's anatomy of interest for medical image acquisition and to detect current spatial information of the anatomy of interest. The patient location device is configured to provide an initial target position to the detected anatomy during image acquisition, and a subset is clinically irrelevant for medical image acquisition, thereby matching target As long as the position is provided, it is configured to register a subset of the initial target position with the current spatial information of the anatomical structure of interest. Conveniently, as long as medical image acquisition is convenient, i.e. without compromising clinical quality, the initial target position (e.g. the virtual patient's virtual scene in the correct position) is the anatomical structure of interest. Adapted (or registered) to current spatial information (eg position, pose and size). In other words, aspects of the initial target position that are irrelevant to successful medical image acquisition are registered (ie adapted) with current spatial information of the patient, especially the anatomy of interest, but for successful medical image acquisition. Related aspects are maintained (ie, remain unchanged). The result of such a partial registration is a matching target position. Here, aspects related to successful medical image acquisition are from commonly available sources such as "Positioning of X-rays" (Swallow, Naylor, Roebuck, Witley, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, 11th edition, 1986). Derived. Therefore, the guide system according to the present invention allows the patient and X-ray technician to position the relevant aspects of the pose for image acquisition, for example in the case of lateral thumb image acquisition, to translate the arm or re-shoulder the shoulder. It allows you to focus on adjusting your forearm and fingers for lateral thumb image collection without having to adjust irrelevant aspects of the pose, such as positioning. This means, for example, a reduction in preparation time for X-ray imaging and an increased comfort for patients and staff. In addition, the adaptation of the initial target position to the size of the anatomical structure of interest allows for better matching of the shape of the anatomical structure of interest and makes it easier and more accurate to align the patient with the target position of the anatomy. To do.

  For example, as discussed in the source above, the initial target position is based on a best performing patient pose model.

  The term “patient detection device” refers to an actual object (eg, patient or patient's anatomical interest) to collect data regarding its shape (eg, external contour of the patient) and possibly its appearance (eg, color). It relates to a device capable of analyzing the structure) or environment (eg treatment room). For a particular application, the patient detection device may be a camera, such as a 3D scanner, for determining the external contours of the patient as well as depth information. For other applications, the patient's internal anatomy (eg, bone) may be determined in the pre-shot imaging phase of X-ray image acquisition. In this case, the X-ray image acquisition device (including the X-ray source and the X-ray detector) may be referred to as a patient detection device.

  The term “current spatial information” may be referred to as the current spatial configuration or current spatial location.

  The term “initial target position” may be referred to as an initial target configuration, and the term “adapted target position” may be referred to as a modeled or adapted target configuration, or referred to as a modeled target position. May be.

  The term “clinically irrelevant subset of initial target positions” or “clinically irrelevant subset” relates to a subset of initial target positions unrelated to successful medical image acquisition. In other words, adjusting such a clinically irrelevant subset of initial target positions will not affect (or at least have a minimal effect on) the clinical quality of medical imaging. ). Note that clinically unrelated subsets are largely determined by familiar laboratory types. For example, shoulder position (and hence its spatial position, pose and / or size) is considered a clinically irrelevant subset of the initial goal for lateral thumb medical image collection.

  Hereinafter, the “clinically irrelevant aspect of the initial target position” is simply referred to as “irrelevant aspect”. Similarly, “a clinically relevant aspect of the initial target position” is simply referred to as a “relevant aspect”.

  In an example of a guide system according to the present invention, the patient position defining device is configured to generate image data of the adapted target position, and displays the generated image data of the adapted target position in a manner covered by the anatomical structure of interest. A display device. In this way, visual guidance information is displayed to the user (eg, a radiographer) to align the anatomy of interest to the fit target location.

  In another example of a guide system according to the present invention, the fit target location comprises augmented reality information, said augmented reality information comprising a 3D virtual model of the anatomical structure to be detected. Conveniently, the 3D virtual model provides an x-ray engineer with intuitive guidance for proper positioning of the anatomy of interest relative to the fit target location. The term “augmented reality information” relates to computer-generated information such as audio, video, graphics, etc., supplemented by a live direct or indirect view of the real environment (eg anatomical structure of interest). For example, to guide patient positioning, augmented reality information has a 3D virtual model that represents the fit target location and suggests deviations between the current spatial information of the anatomy of interest and the fit target location. For example, the information is shown as “10 ° off, 20 cm off”. There are several ways to generate a 3D virtual model. In the example, a 3D virtual model is realized by a computer animation film. In a further example, the correctly positioned anatomy of interest is analyzed and its shape data is collected for modeling by a 3D surface scanner. Since the anatomical structure also relates to the internal anatomical structure, the 3D virtual model may include the patient's internal anatomical structure, eg, a model of the bone.

  In another example of a guide system according to the present invention, the current spatial information has a current position, a current pose and / or a current size. Conveniently, this allows positioning information to better represent differently shaped patients, such as high or low patients, thick or thin patients. Further, when the matching target position and anatomy coincide in terms of position, pose, and size, patient alignment with the matching target position can be realized more easily and more accurately.

  In another example of a guide system according to the present invention, the display device is configured to display a partially opaque matching target position. This has the effect that the relative position of the depth between the fit target position and the anatomy of interest can be recognized.

  The image data fit target position is adjusted to be partially opaque, which allows visualization of the deviation (with respect to depth) between the fit target position and the anatomy of interest. This rendering allows more accurate visual guidance for positioning than transparent augmented reality.

  In another example of a guide system according to the present invention, the display device is a head wearable display, through which the user can see the anatomical structure of interest and the fit target location is the anatomy of interest seen through the head wearable display. Provided in a manner that is covered with a biological structure.

  Conveniently, eye-to-display calibration is not required, which allows the user to enter a directly (visually) extended environment, providing direct 3D interaction. In addition, a camera or computer is integrated into the head wearable display and no additional equipment is required, for example, in the treatment room.

  A head wearable display, also referred to as an optical see-through display or head mounted display (HMD), may be a translucent display (monocular HMD) or two translucent displays for both eyes (binocular HMD). Examples are products such as Epson Moverio BT 200, Google Glass, Vuzix or Metaspac Glass.

  In another example of a guide system according to the present invention, the display device is a monitor, the patient detection device is configured to provide a visual display of the anatomical structure of interest, and the fit target position is covered with the visual display. Provided in an aspect.

  The monitor offers the advantage of being visible to everyone in the room and to the patient. Therefore, the patient can adjust the pose according to the augmented reality guidance on the monitor screen, thus reducing the preparation time before X-ray image acquisition. A monitor may be provided to show other perspective views of the anatomy of interest in addition to the head wearable display.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a medical imaging configuration is provided. The medical imaging configuration has a guide system according to one of the above examples. The medical imaging configuration further includes an image acquisition system having a medical imaging source and a medical imaging detector. Here, the medical imaging source is configured to provide an imaging field that is detected by a medical imaging detector.

  Conveniently, the operator is visually guided how to accurately position the patient. This, along with training and education for other modalities such as ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), and others, along with proper positioning of the patient prior to x-ray image acquisition It is used to support operators who are less trained. In addition, it provides better support for medical imaging systems in planning radiation exposure for patient positioning and X-ray examination.

  In an example medical imaging configuration according to the present invention, the medical imaging configuration comprises at least one of a group of an X-ray imaging configuration and an ultrasound imaging configuration. Here, the X-ray imaging system is selected from the group of CT scanner, C-arm scanner, mammography scanner, tomosynthesis scanner, diagnostic X-ray scanner and preclinical imaging scanner. In the case of X-ray imaging, medical imaging source and detector refer to X-ray source and X-ray detector, respectively. In the case of ultrasound imaging, medical imaging sources and detectors refer to ultrasound transducers that transmit and receive ultrasound signals. For example, the term “imaging field” relates to an X-ray radiation field for X-ray imaging, an ultrasound field for ultrasound imaging, a magnetic field for MRI, and the like.

  In an example of a medical imaging arrangement according to the present invention, the medical imaging arrangement comprises a graphical target source representation having augmented reality information indicating a target position of the medical imaging source for image acquisition and / or a medical imaging detector for image acquisition. It is further configured to provide and display a graphical target source representation having augmented reality information indicative of the target location. Conveniently, augmented reality information provides suggestions for aligning medical imaging sources and medical imaging detectors. For example, this includes the indication regarding the deviation of the current spatial information of the X-ray source from the target position being displayed as “10 ° off, 20 cm off”. This information may be provided as a voice (eg, a voice command).

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for guiding the positioning of a patient's anatomy. This method
a) detecting a patient's anatomy of interest for image collection;
b) detecting current spatial information of the detected anatomical structure of interest;
c) providing an initial target position to the detected anatomy during medical image acquisition;
d) registering the subset of initial target positions with current spatial information of the anatomical structure of interest as long as the subset is clinically irrelevant for medical image acquisition; and
e) determining a matching target position based on the registration. In another example of the method according to the invention, the method comprises:
f) generating image data of the conforming target position; and
g) further comprising displaying the generated target position generated image data in a manner covered by the anatomical structure of interest as graphic positioning information for alignment of the anatomical structure of interest for image collection.

According to the example, the method
h) Graphic target source representation with augmented reality information indicating the target position of the medical imaging source for image acquisition and / or graphic target detection with augmented reality information indicating the target position of the medical imaging detector for image acquisition The method further includes the step of providing and displaying a container representation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program element for controlling an apparatus configured to perform a method step when executed by a processing unit.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable medium storing program elements discussed above.

  In one aspect of the invention, an augmented reality system is proposed to support patient positioning, eg, for x-ray acquisition. The best performing patient pose model is based on current spatial information such as patient position, pose, and size so as to provide an adapted position that visually guides the operator how to accurately position the patient. Registered. For example, depending on the depth at which the patient is detected, the pose model may be adapted with the pose, position and / or size for the patient as far as a clinically irrelevant subset and / or aspect of the pose model is concerned. Furthermore, the partially opaque (translucent) overlay or overlay of the fit best performing patient pose model with the patient allows for better depth recognition. An augmented reality system may be configured to support positioning of an x-ray source and / or x-ray detector for x-ray acquisition, for example. This can be used to assist X-ray technicians in diagnostic X-ray examinations to correctly position the patient. In the absence of X-ray technicians (eg, in some rural areas), augmented reality systems can help untrained people to position patients correctly. It can be applied not only in education for other modalities such as ultrasound, MRI, CT etc., but also in the training of X-ray technicians or others to position the patient.

  These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

  Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following drawings.

1 illustrates an example of a medical imaging configuration. An example of the initial target position is shown. FIG. 2A shows an example of the conforming target position. Fig. 4 shows basic steps of an example method for guiding in positioning a patient's anatomy of interest. 2B shows a photographic image of the example of FIG. 2B.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a medical imaging configuration 10, such as the X-ray imaging configuration shown in FIG. 1 or an ultrasound imaging configuration (not shown further).

  Although the following discussion relates to an example of an x-ray imaging system, ie, a medical imaging configuration 10, it should be noted that the principles can be applied to other imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI, CT, etc. However, for simplicity, guides in other imaging modalities are not discussed further.

  The medical imaging configuration 10 includes an image acquisition system 12 (eg, the X-ray acquisition system shown in FIG. 1) and a guide system 14 for positioning a patient 15 for medical image acquisition, eg, X-ray or ultrasound image acquisition. .

  The medical acquisition system 12 includes a medical imaging source 16 (eg, the X-ray source shown in FIG. 1) and a medical imaging detector 18 (eg, the X-ray detector shown in FIG. 1). The medical imaging source 16 is configured to provide an imaging field 20 (eg, the X-ray radiation field shown in FIG. 1) that is detected by the medical imaging detector 18.

  The guide system 14 includes a patient detection device 22 and a patient position determination device 24.

  The patient detection device 22 may be able to detect the external contour of the patient. For example, the patient detection device 22 may be a depth camera, an infrared camera, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The patient detection device 22 may be able to detect an internal anatomy of interest such as a bone or target organ. For example, patient detection device 22 may be an x-ray image acquisition device that collects images of internal anatomy of interest by generating x-ray pre-shots.

  The position determining device 24 relates to a computing device, for example a built-in computing unit, a processor or a desktop computer.

  An optional display device 26 for any suitable display for information visualization is provided. Examples include monitors, handheld devices and HMDs (head mounted displays).

  Patient detection device 22, patient positioning device 24 and display device 26 may be connected via any suitable method including wireless communication (eg Bluetooth or WLAN (wireless local area network) or wired communication (eg via cable)). Connected.

  For example, the guide system 14 in FIG. 1 is provided as a head wearable guide system 28, which includes, for example, an integrated camera 30 as an example of a patient detection device 22, a built-in computing device 32 as an example of a patient position definition device 24 (details) And a head wearable display 34 as an example of the display device 26.

  In a further example (not shown further), the head wearable guide system 28 has an integrated camera 30 and a head wearable display 34, but for example, a high performance desktop communicating with the integrated camera 30 and the head wearable display 34 via a WLAN. A patient position defining device 20 is provided as a computer. Thus, the head wearable guide system 28 provides direct volume rendering without sacrificing frame rate speed for hardware support of high performance desktop computers.

  The patient detection device 22 detects an anatomical structure 36 of interest of the patient 15 such as a hand 38 for image acquisition and provides current spatial information (eg, position, pose or size) of the anatomical structure 36 of interest. Configured to detect.

  The patient location device 24 is configured to provide an initial target location 40 (see example in FIG. 2A) to the detected anatomy 36 of interest. The initial target position 40 is provided as a reference for medical image collection. The patient location device 24 is configured to provide the current location of the anatomical structure of interest as long as the subset is clinically irrelevant for medical image acquisition, thereby providing a matched target location 42 (see example in FIG. 2B). Further configured to register a subset of the initial target position 40 with the spatial information.

  The initial target position 40, which may be referred to as a reference position, refers to the virtual patient's virtual scene in the correct position or correct pose. There are several ways to create a virtual patient with the correct pose (ie create an initial target or reference position). In the example, the patient is modeled in 3D as is done in computer animation film. Another example is to record a correctly positioned patient (or model) with a camera (eg, a 3D surface camera). The initial target location 40 of the internal anatomy of interest, such as a tumor, can be achieved using previously recorded data, eg, from a planned CT scan.

  In the example, the initial target position 40 is associated with a predetermined inspection type. During the positioning procedure, a given exam type is selected from i) a list in a database with multiple exam types, ii) an electronic scheduling system, and / or iii) a plurality of tokens each associated with each given exam type. The

  In other words, when the patient is correctly positioned, the user (eg, an X-ray technician) may record the scene as an initial target location and add them to the database. The database includes various anatomical structures of the patient including external anatomical structures (eg, feet or hands) or internal anatomical structures (eg, bones). The database further includes a set of virtual patients with different genders, weights, heights, ages, etc. Repeating the recording or modeling for each predicted imaging situation fills the virtual scene database.

  During the positioning procedure, the user (eg, an X-ray technician) selects a planned examination type from a list such as “Ankle, Subtalar Joint, Right, Diagonal Lateral”. Exam types are automatically derived from a scheduler or electronic scheduling system that integrates the radiology workflow. The virtual scene with the virtual patient is retrieved from the database and shown on the head wearable display. Instead, there may be different tokens (markers) for different examination types. A different virtual scene is attached to each token, corresponding to the inspection type. This means that instead of interacting with the computer (eg selecting a planned inspection type from a list), the X-ray engineer uses a physical object, such as a token, to select the desired inspection type.

  The fit target position 42 may be referred to as a modeled target position. Since it may be a position observed by an observer during actual alignment, the matching target position 42 may be referred to as an observation position. Therefore, the patient position defining device 24 is configured to provide a target position from the reference position (ie, the initial target position 40) to the observation position (ie, the compatible target position 42), and the observation position matches the current spatial information better.

  Registration is performed by analyzing the anatomical structure of interest 36 to estimate the location of a particular landmark, eg, a body joint. These landmarks can be registered with corresponding landmarks in the graphical target anatomical representation.

  Alternatively, registration may be performed by attaching a token or marker to the anatomical structure of interest or a specific location on the patient. These tokens or markers are tracked by the camera. When the token or marker is moved (ie, the anatomical pose is changed), the virtual patient also adapts to the movement of the token or marker.

  Optionally, the patient position defining device 24 is further configured to generate image data for the fit target position 42.

  An optional display device 26 is adapted to display the image data of the adapted target position 42 in a manner covered by the anatomical structure 36 of interest as graphic positioning information for alignment of the anatomical structure 36 of interest for image collection. Composed.

  The image data of the fit target position 40 may be visualized in several ways. In the example, the fit target location (eg 3D virtual model) is shown with an opaque wire frame (or contour or outline) around it. In a further example, the matching target location is an opaque surface model.

  In the example, the display device 26 is a head wearable display 34 (as shown in FIG. 1) through which the user can see the anatomical structure 36 of interest. The fit target location 42 is provided as an aspect covered by the anatomical structure 36 of interest seen through the head wearable display 34.

  This has the advantage that the person preparing the patient for collection uses his (woman) natural view.

  In a further example (not shown), the display device 26 is a monitor. Patient detection device 22 is configured to provide a visual representation of the anatomy of interest at its current location. The adapted target position 42 is configured to be provided in a manner that is covered with a visual representation.

  A monitor may be provided to show the patient from other perspective views in addition to the head wearable display. For example, the monitor may be located in the operating device of the X-ray equipment. A patient detection device such as a depth camera may be attached to the x-ray machine at a fixed position. The user occasionally looks at the monitor to ensure proper patient positioning.

  The fit target position 42 is provided to guide in positioning the anatomical structure 36 of the patient 15 relative to the medical imaging configuration for image acquisition.

  It is noted that the display device 26 is only provided as an option. In a further example (not shown), the guide system 14 does not include a display device. For example, an adapted target position used to control a mobile anatomical support (eg, an imaging coil for MRI) to automatically reposition (realign) the anatomy of interest for image acquisition 42 is determined. In a further example, a matching target position 42 is determined and a voice command such as “move your forearm 2 cm to the left” is provided to guide in positioning the anatomy of interest. In such an example, the indication of the fit target position is not necessary.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of the initial target position 40 stored in, for example, a database, and FIG. 2B shows an example of the matching target position 42 through the head wearable display 34 (see FIG. 1), for example.

  As indicated above, the initial target position 40 is a virtual patient virtual scene in the correct position or pose. The initial target position 40 can be obtained by recording a patient (or model) that is correctly positioned with a camera (eg, a 3D surface camera) and stored in a database. Therefore, at the initial target position 40, the position of the virtual patient (or anatomy) is fixed to a reference structure (eg, an X-ray detector). Although the initial target position 40 is used to guide the target, this introduces some complications. For example, the patient must be positioned exactly like a virtual patient, and this may not necessarily be obtained for collection.

  For example, the initial target position 40 in FIG. 2A is obtained by recording a virtual limb 44 that is positioned diagonally from the medical imaging detector 18 and poses correctly. However, it is not necessary to position the patient's limb 46 (see FIG. 2B) exactly like the correctly posed virtual limb 44. As long as the patient's limb 46 is positioned within the medical imaging detector 18, some translation of the patient's limb 46 on the surface of the medical imaging detector 18 may be allowed for image acquisition.

  The fit target position 42 (shown in dotted lines) in FIG. 2B is the current spatial information of the anatomy 36 of interest, ie the patient's limb 46, at least as far as it relates to a clinically unrelated aspect of the initial target position 40. This is realized by registering the initial target position 40 in FIG. 2A.

  In the example shown as an option in FIG. 2B, the current spatial information has the current position of the anatomy 36 of interest. The fit target location 42 may be adapted to the current location of the anatomical structure 36 of interest.

  The term “position” relates to the angular position (or direction or rotation) and translation position (or liner position) of a virtual patient including one or more anatomical structures. For example, a correctly posed virtual limb 44 rotates about an axis perpendicular to the medical imaging detector 18 (eg, the X-ray detector shown in FIG. 2B) to better match the current position of the patient's limb. Or translated on the surface of the medical imaging detector 18. The adaptation to the current position can be seen as a strict change of the virtual patient.

  In a further example, shown as an option in FIG. 2B, the current spatial information has the current pose of the anatomy 36 of interest. The fit target position 42 may be adapted to the current pose of the anatomical structure 36 of interest.

  The term “pose” relates to the relative position between the internal anatomy of the virtual patient. For example, a correctly posed virtual limb 44 pose relates to a right angle bend at the ankle joint.

  It is noted that only those aspects of the patient pose associated with the collection are maintained (i.e., do not change), while irrelevant aspects are registered (i.e., adapted) with the patient.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the position of the forearm and finger with respect to the central optical axis 45 of the medical imaging detector 18 is important for successful collection, and the forearm and finger of the virtual patient are accurately synthesized locally from the best performing model. That is, the virtual patient's forearm and finger poses must remain unchanged. On the other hand, the virtual patient's shoulders and upper arms are registered or adjusted to the patient's anatomy because they are independent of collection.

  In the example of FIG. 2B, this means a (slight) rotation of the foot and a (slight) adjustment of the angle of the ankle without having to translate and rotate the entire foot. In the example of FIG. 1, this means a (slight) adjustment of the forearm and fingers without having to adjust the shoulder or upper arm and the need to translate and rotate the entire arm. This may reduce the effort to properly position the patient, for example, prior to x-ray acquisition, especially for less trained radiographers. Positioning errors are reduced because the patient only concentrates on the alignment of the relevant aspects of the collection. In addition, this also reduces the preparation time, thus increasing the workflow.

  In a further example, shown as an option in FIG. 2B, the current spatial information has the current size of the anatomy 36 of interest. The fit target position 42 is obtained by fitting the initial target position to the current size of the anatomy 36 of interest.

  In other words, the fit target position 42 is obtained using some scaling parameter based on the size of the anatomical structure 36 to be detected. For example, the fit target position of the limb is rendered larger for large patients. In the example of FIG. 2B, this means that the correctly posed virtual limb 44 has (exactly) the size of the patient's limb 46.

  This allows the positioning information to better represent different forms of patients such as high or low patients, thick or thin patients. Even for the same patient, changes to patient geometry are likely to occur as these weight changes. Thus, when the virtual and real patients match in the size of the anatomy of interest (eg, patient limb 46 in FIG. 2B), alignment of the anatomy of interest with the virtual model is easier and more accurate Can be realized.

  As a further option, the image data of the fit target location 42 is partially opaque so that the relative position of the depth between the fit target location 42 and the anatomical structure 36 of interest can be recognized. This provides even an occlusion, in plan view, where the observer becomes a visual cue for estimating the depth, in particular the relative depth of the two objects relative to each other (adapted target position 42 and anatomical structure of interest 36). . Here, the patient pose is determined in the scene, so depth information is available to it. This allows scene rendering where these relative positions cause the patient surface and model surface to occlude each other locally. This rendering allows visual guidance for more accurate positioning than transparent augmented reality alone. Furthermore, it does not depend on the sense of depth as the only depth cue. This is an important advantage because some of the populations do not have stereo vision or have reduced stereo vision.

  As a further option, the medical imaging configuration 10 may include a graphical target source representation 48 having augmented reality information indicative of a target location of the medical imaging source 16 for image acquisition and / or a target of the medical imaging detector 18 for image acquisition. It is further configured to provide and display a graphical target detector representation (not shown further) having augmented reality information indicating the position. For example, the graphical target source representation has an arrow 50 shown as part of a virtual scene that describes the correct location of the medical imaging source 16 (see FIG. 1).

  Although not shown, the graphical target source representation 48 is a medical imaging source 16 that describes the correct position of the medical imaging source 16 (eg, the X-ray imaging source or ultrasound transducer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B (not shown further)). ) 3D virtual model. Deviation of the medical imaging source 16 from the target position may also be indicated as, for example, “20 cm off”. Similarly, the graphic target detector representation also has various augmented reality information.

FIG. 3 shows a method 100 for guiding in positioning a patient's anatomy of interest. The method includes the following steps.
-In a first step 102, also referred to as step a), the patient's anatomy of interest is detected for image acquisition.
-In a second step 104, also referred to as step b), the current spatial information of the anatomical structure to be detected is detected.
-In a third step 106, also referred to as step c), an initial target position is provided for the anatomy to be detected.
-In a fourth step 108, also referred to as step d), a subset of the initial target positions is registered with the current spatial information as long as the subset is clinically irrelevant for medical image acquisition.
-In a fifth step 110, also referred to as step e), a matching target position is determined based on the registration.

In the example shown as an option in FIG. 4, the method 100 further comprises the following steps.
-In a sixth step 112, also referred to as step f), image data of the adapted target position is generated.
-In a seventh step 114, also referred to as step g), the generated target position generated image data is displayed in a covered manner as graphic position information for alignment of the anatomical structure of interest for image collection. The

  Step a) is also referred to as detection or monitoring step.

  Step b), also called tracking step, relates to spatial information evaluation (position evaluation, pose evaluation and / or size evaluation) of the anatomical structure of interest.

  Both steps c) and d) are also referred to as registration steps.

  Step e) is also referred to as the fitting step.

  Step g) is also referred to as visualization and data representation step.

  In the example, the matching target position has augmented reality information. Augmented reality information has a 3D virtual model of the anatomical structure of interest to be detected.

  In a further example, shown as an option in FIG. 4 (shown as a dotted connection), the method 100 includes: h) a graphic target source representation with augmented reality information indicating the target location of the medical imaging source for image acquisition and / or Or providing and displaying a graphical target detector representation (not shown further) having augmented reality information indicative of the target location of the medical imaging detector for image acquisition and displaying.

  For better understanding, FIG. 4 shows a photographic image according to the drawing of FIG. 2B. Therefore, the same numbers are shown with respect to FIG. 2B. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the explanation for FIG. 4 is not necessary.

  In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer program or computer program element characterized by performing the method steps of the method according to one of the foregoing embodiments on a suitable system is provided.

  Accordingly, the computer program elements can be stored on a computer unit that can also be part of an embodiment of the present invention. This computing unit may perform the execution of the steps of the above method or may guide the execution of the steps of the above method. This may also operate the components of the apparatus. The computing unit can operate automatically and / or execute user instructions. The computer program may be loaded into the working memory of the data processor. Thus, the data processor may be equipped to carry out the method of the present invention.

  This exemplary embodiment of the present invention covers both computer programs that use the present invention from the beginning and computer programs that update an existing program to a program that uses the present invention.

  Furthermore, the computer program element can provide all the steps necessary to carry out the procedure of the exemplary embodiment of the method as described above.

  Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a computer readable medium such as a CD-ROM, where the computer readable medium has computer program elements stored thereon. The computer program element is described by the previous section. The computer program may be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium such as an optical storage medium or a solid medium supplied with other hardware or supplied as part of other hardware. May be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

  However, the computer program may be traversed over a network such as the World Wide Web and downloaded from such a network to the working memory of the data processor. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medium is provided for enabling a computer program element to be available for download, in which case the computer program element is the aforementioned implementation of the present invention. Configured to perform a method according to one of the examples.

  It should be noted that embodiments of the invention are described in connection with different subjects. In particular, certain embodiments are described in connection with method type claims, while other embodiments are described in connection with apparatus type claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand above and below that any combination between features on different subjects, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, is considered to be disclosed with this application, unless otherwise specified. You will guess from the description. However, all features can be combined to produce a greater synergistic effect than a mere sum of features.

  While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a consideration of the drawings, disclosure, and dependent claims.

  In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

A guide system for positioning a patient for medical image acquisition, the guide system comprising:
-Patient position detection device,
-A patient positioning device;
The patient detection device is configured to detect a patient's anatomy for the medical image collection to detect current spatial information of the anatomy of interest;
The patient location device is configured to provide an initial target position to the detected anatomy of interest during the image acquisition, a subset being clinically irrelevant for the medical image acquisition; A guide system configured to register the subset of the initial target positions with the current spatial information of the anatomical structure of interest as long as it results in a matched target position.   The patient position defining device is configured to generate image data of the adapted target position, and is configured to display the generated image data of the adapted target position in a manner covered by the anatomical structure of interest. The guide system according to claim 1, comprising a display device.   The guide system according to claim 2, wherein the matching target position includes augmented reality information, and the augmented reality information includes a 3D virtual model of the detected anatomical structure.   The guide system according to claim 1, wherein the current spatial information includes a current position, a current pose, and / or a current size. The initial target position is
i) a list in a database with multiple examination types,
ii) an electronic scheduling system, and / or
The guide according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein iii) a plurality of tokens, each said token being associated with a predetermined inspection type selected from tokens associated with a respective predetermined inspection type. system.   The guide system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the display device is configured to display the adapted target position that is partially opaque. The display device has a head wearable display through which a user can see the anatomical structure of interest, and the adapted target location is covered with the anatomical structure of interest seen through the head wearable display. Provided in an embodiment, and / or
ii) a monitor, wherein the patient detection device is configured to provide a visual display of the anatomical structure of interest, and the adapted target location is provided in a manner covered by the visual display; The guide system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, comprising: A guide system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and
-Has an image collection system
A medical imaging source and a medical imaging detector, the medical imaging source configured to provide an imaging field detected by the medical imaging detector;
Medical imaging configuration. The medical imaging configuration is:
-X-ray imaging configuration, and
9. The medical imaging configuration of claim 8, comprising at least one of a group of ultrasound imaging configurations. The medical imaging configuration is:
A graphic target source representation having augmented reality information indicating the target position of the medical imaging source for the image acquisition and / or augmented reality information indicating the target position of the medical imaging detector for the image acquisition; The medical imaging arrangement of claim 9, further configured to provide and display a graphical target detector representation. A method for guiding the positioning of a patient's anatomy of interest, comprising:
a) detecting a patient's anatomy of interest for image collection;
b) detecting current spatial information of the detected anatomical structure of interest;
c) providing an initial target position to the detected anatomy of interest during medical image acquisition;
d) registering the subset of initial target positions with the current spatial information of the anatomical structure of interest as long as the subset is clinically irrelevant for the medical image collection;
e) determining a matching target position based on the registration. f) generating image data of the adaptation target position; and
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of g) displaying the generated image data of the fit target location in a manner covered by the anatomical structure of interest. h) Graphical target source representation having augmented reality information indicating the target position of the medical imaging source for the image acquisition and / or augmented reality information indicating the target position of the medical imaging detector for the image acquisition. 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step of providing and displaying a graphical target detector representation having.   A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, configured to perform the method steps according to any one of claims 11 to 13, when executed by a processing unit. Computer program elements.   15. A computer readable medium storing a program element according to claim 14.

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